Episode 10
Hello, everyone listening. Welcome back to PREP NYUS: How to Get Into Your Dream School NYU Shanghai. Today we begin Module Four: AI Interview and Opening Day. Today’s episode is on: Mastering the AI interview. This is where everything we’ve practiced comes into play.
Segment One. Format of the AI interview.
You'll receive two AI generated questions. For each question you have 60 seconds to prepare and then three minutes to answer. A follow-up question may or may not appear, and typically from what my students have told me: there are two questions. One is a practical relationship question, and the other is a critical thinking question.
Here are some real examples from previous interviews:
Question: Which animal would be most suitable to be equipped with human knowledge?
Follow-up question: What quality would be compromised?
Other examples:
Name three historical figures for dinner.
Can preschoolers use iPads?
Roommate goes to bed late and it affects your sleep schedule.
There are roughly 40 questions asked in different ways. Many students get the same ones—keep that in mind. Now, in segment two, I'm going to talk about the purpose behind the questions.
Segment Two. WHY ask these questions?
As mentioned earlier, typically there are two questions for the AI interview: 1) creative or critical thinking 2) practical relationship. For the creative or critical thinking question, it's important to show your logic, creativity, and worldview. For the practical relationship question, it's important to show your communication skills, maturity and teamwork.
Remember: we can use the structures we've learned such as RRC: Recognize, Redirect and Close; Silver Platter “Cupcakes,” as well as Q=A+ 1, which means answering questions with added information.
Segment Three. Environment and tech prep.
Here are some tips for setting up your space.
Place a happy picture, either behind and right above your camera or next to it, but not covering the camera view. This can keep you in a happy mood as you answer your questions. For instance, maybe a picture of your puppy or a picture of horseback riding, whatever it is that you like to do.
Be aware of the lighting. The lighting makes a huge difference. Natural lighting or soft lighting is preferred. Don't look like you're locked up in a dungeon. Look like you're sitting by a natural light. Look healthy.
Framing. Sit up straight, leave about three to four fingers of headroom in the frame. So, quite literally put three or four fingers above your head.
Silencing your phone. Putting your phone on DND (Do Not Disturb) is crucial. Even though you’re talking to a robot, but a lot of the answers will be vetted by humans. Keep that in mind.
A final tip to my students: I know that you can answer questions in a comprehensive manner, but remember to close the interview questions by concluding in a complete sentence.
For instance, not just, “I believe A and B works with C.”
I want you to finish your answer strong by saying, “Therefore,” or “Due to these reasons [say the reasons], it's evident that A and B can help with C,” because oftentimes my students would start strong but not finish strong. I'm here to remind you, please finish as strong as you started for a comprehensive well-received answer.
Well, that's it for Episode 10, short and sweet: Mastering the AI interview. Look forward to seeing you in the next episode all about the NYU Shanghai Opening Day. Until then, if you have any questions, email me at NYUSPrep@gmail.com.
Take care, and remember, you've got this.